President Salva Kiir has dismissed a number of senior officials, including the deputy head of the country’s powerful intelligence bureau, in a mini-reshuffle announced Wednesday evening.
Lt. Gen. Khalid Butrus Bora, Deputy Director General of the General Intelligence Bureau (GIB) in the National Security Service (NSS), was removed through a presidential decree broadcast on South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).
The decree did not specify a reason for the move, nor did it name a successor.
The GIB was established under the 2018 revitalized peace deal to streamline command structures within the armed forces and bolster efforts to unify rival security elements. Gen. Khalid, a former deputy commander of the South Sudan Democratic Movement (SSDM) Cobra Faction, has been a prominent player in the country’s security scene.
Other changes announced Wednesday included the removal of Aniin Ngot Ngot as undersecretary in the Ministry of Health, replaced by Kennedy Gaaniko Clement, a former deputy governor of Western Equatoria State.
Aguek Ring Mabil was dismissed as deputy chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, with Makuc Makuc Ngong, a parliamentary clerk, appointed to the role.
President Kiir also appointed Charles Barnaba Kisanga as technical advisor in the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, and Ariath Deng Ariath as technical advisor to the Ministry of Investment.
Though no official explanation was given, analysts note that Kiir often frames such shake-ups as part of his ongoing search for solutions to South Sudan’s governance and peace process challenges.
The reshuffle comes at a time when the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement remains stalled.
Crucial provisions—including the unification of forces, the drafting of a permanent constitution, and preparations for long-delayed national elections—are yet to be delivered.
